HOMER

HOMER is a free, open-source framework for capturing and analyzing VoIP and real-time communications traffic. It suits ITSPs, VoIP providers and trunk suppliers that can run their own capture infrastructure. Its strongest case is deep investigation of call flows and packets; teams wanting a managed monitoring service should look elsewhere.

Overview

HOMER combines traffic capture with search and analysis, letting operators move from a broad issue to packet-level inspection. Advanced search, end-to-end analysis and packet drill-down make it useful for diagnosing problems across SIP and related communications systems, rather than merely watching a high-level dashboard.

The HOMER 11 project describes an all-in-one HEP capture and API server for the Homer 11.x data lake. Its components include ingest, DuckLake storage, a Node with FlightSQL, and a Coordinator with a REST API. Docker and release packages offer deployment paths, but the self-hosted approach means operators need to account for running and integrating the stack themselves. The AGPL-3.0 license is also an important consideration for organizations modifying or incorporating the project.

Key features

The capture server brings together call-flow and PCAP capabilities, statistics, analytics, widgets and a REST API. This mix supports both direct troubleshooting and integration into a wider operations workflow. HOMER also supports MOS scoring, jitter tracking and packet-loss tracking, giving teams several measures for examining call quality.

Capture agents support HEP3 encapsulation, payload encryption and compression, and TLS. The core protocol coverage includes SIP, RTCP, RTCP-XR, WebRTC signaling and log collection. HEP/EEP integrations span Kamailio, OpenSIPS, Captagent, Asterisk, FreeSWITCH, RTPEngine, sipgrep, sngrep and hepipe, making HOMER relevant to operators working across those tools. Multi-user LDAP and Radius support provide access-control options for shared deployments.

VQRTCP collection and SIPREC support are optional in HOMER 11 and disabled by default. Teams that depend on either capability should plan for that configuration rather than assume it is active out of the box.

Pricing

HOMER Open Source costs nothing and is 100% open-source. It is the natural starting point for teams able to deploy and maintain the system themselves, with no paid entry tier to weigh against a feature-limited free version. Commercial support is available by quote, including development support, 24/7 SLA production support and advanced training; this is a better fit for organizations that need vendor assistance than for those expecting a published support price.

Platforms

HOMER supports API, Linux, macOS, self-hosted and web environments. Docker support and release packages give teams deployment options, while the API and integrations help connect capture data and workflows to other systems. Its self-hosted orientation favors operators who want control over their capture stack, not buyers looking for a hosted service with minimal operational responsibility.

Who it's for

HOMER is aimed at ITSPs, VoIP providers and trunk suppliers, particularly teams that need to investigate signaling, call flows and packet-level detail across a communications environment. It is a stronger fit for technically equipped operators with relevant infrastructure than for small teams seeking a ready-made monitoring subscription.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Advanced search, end-to-end analysis and packet drill-down support investigations beyond summary-level monitoring.
• Pros: Broad protocol coverage and integrations connect HOMER to a range of VoIP infrastructure and capture tools.
• Pros: Encryption, TLS and multi-user LDAP and Radius support address transport security and shared access needs.
• Cons: Self-hosted deployment places responsibility for operating the capture stack on the user.
• Cons: VQRTCP collection and SIPREC are optional and disabled by default, so users relying on them must account for configuration.
• Cons: Commercial support is quote-based rather than a fixed-price option.

Alternatives

VoIP Monitoring Software is the category directory for comparing tools in this field.

Obkio is worth considering for teams seeking a freemium option with a 14-day trial, up to 10 agents and no credit card requirement; it supports a wider range of listed desktop and mobile platforms.

Dotcom-Monitor may suit teams that prefer a freemium monitoring plan with up to 25 targets, five-minute monitoring frequency, two monitoring locations and email alerts.

sip-exporter is another free, self-hosted Linux option under AGPL-3.0, with commercial use subject to that license's conditions.

Telchemy SQmediator is a paid alternative with a single-server Small Service Provider Edition; its Web Services API is optional, and passive plus active capabilities cost extra.

MultiDSLA is a paid option built around a controller and one or more node devices, with support for controlling 100+ nodes.

CallMeter offers paid Starter and Professional plans, billed monthly or annually, with features, usage limits and service levels varying by plan.

Exoprise is a paid alternative with a free trial and credits priced at $100 a month; discounts are available for prepaid annual plans and volume purchases.

Nectar Diagnostics is another paid option.

Verdict

Choose HOMER if your organization operates VoIP infrastructure and needs a free, open-source framework for capture, analysis and packet-level troubleshooting. Its breadth of protocols, integrations and diagnostic capabilities is the main reason to choose it. Look elsewhere if you need a managed service or cannot take on self-hosting, and verify optional VQRTCP or SIPREC requirements before planning a HOMER 11 deployment.